Turn off power to the room at the breaker
Remove all furniture and cover floors and walls with plastic sheeting
Wear safety goggles, gloves, a respirator, and protective clothing
Test a small hidden area for asbestos if the ceiling is old
If asbestos is suspected or confirmed, hire a licensed abatement professional
Score painted surfaces lightly to help the stucco loosen
Mist the ceiling with water to reduce dust
Scrape the stucco with a wide putty knife or floor scraper
Work in small sections and keep the surface damp
Remove any remaining texture with a sanding pole or scraper
Patch damaged drywall or plaster as needed
Vacuum dust with a HEPA vacuum
Dispose of debris according to local regulations
Prime and repaint the ceiling after it is smooth and clean